What Science Learns From Emperor Penguins (Image 3)

Scientists study penguin physiology to learn how they can dive to depths of 300 meters (1500 feet). Penguins spend much of their life in the ocean hunting for krill, fish and squid. But, unlike humans, penguins do not suffer from many problems associated with diving, such as decompression sickness (the bends), shallow water black-out, and free-radical damage to tissues. The researcher's work to understanding penguins may someday be applicable to anesthesiology and other medical applications.
Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation